From the Sideline — LSU is More Than Ben Simmons

He’s the next can’t-miss superstar, and the numbers indicate the reviews are warranted.

Simmons is the only guy in the league averaging 19 points and almost 13 rebounds per game. He could score more, but he’s so unselfish that he arrives in Tuscaloosa averaging five assists each night, as well.

He’s special. He’s the best player in college basketball. And he’s among the reasons everybody thinks that LSU will be an NCAA Tournament team, even though the Tigers currently sit just four games above the .500 mark.

There are other reasons that Johnny Jones team will be involved in March Madness, besides the ultra-talented Simmons.

Among those reasons would be Tim Quartermann. LSU’s point guard is only 4th on the team in scoring, and he’s behind Simmons in the assist column (3.44/game).

But Quartermann is a versatile player, who not only distributes the ball, but shoots it well from three-point range. His 34.8% average from beyond the arc is second only on the team to Keith Hornsby (42%).

It seems that when Quartermann plays well, LSU plays well.

Hornsby’s return to action, has coincided with the Tigers improved play. The same can be said for Craig Victor (13.2 ppg/6.6 rebs).

And while Simmons is the star of the show, Quartermann is the straw that stirs the drink.

For those in attendance at Coleman Coliseum Saturday afternoon, Simmons will be the one they brag about seeing play in person years from now.

But Quartermann may be the guy that determines whether or not it’s LSU that wins the game.